Chinese Dragons Paper Bag Puppets Craft

Several months ago, I wrote a blog post about the children's book Brandon Goes to Beijing (εŒ—δΊ¬) by Eugenia Chu. Brandon Goes to Beijing (εŒ—δΊ¬) is the second book in a multilingual series written in English, Pinyan, and Chinese.  Since then, Eugenia Chu has released another children's book related to Chinese culture. This book is called Celebrating Chinese New Year and is packed full of crafts, games, recipes, and information about the Chinese New Year. In today's post, I'm sharing some fun photos of the paper bag Chinese dragon puppets we made using the directions from Eugenia Chu's new book. Check them out!
 
Directions to make the Chinese New Year dragon paper bag puppet craft from the book Celebrating Chinese New Year by Eugenia Chu. PreK to 3rd grade.

Disclosure: Affiliate links to Amazon are included in this post.



How to Make a Chinese New Year Dragon Puppet

This inspiration for this craft came from Eugenia Chu's new book Celebrating Chinese New Year. In her book, Eugenia Chu lists the materials needed and the directions for children to make their own paper bag dragons. I was able to find many of the materials in my craft closet!

Close up of a Chinese dragon at a Chinese New Year festival

Materials Needed


Directions from Celebrating Chinese New Year by Eugenia Chu
Directions to make a paper bag Chinese Dragon from Celebrating Chinese New Year by Eugenia Chu

Directions

  • Select items to glue to the edges of the bottom of the paper bag, which will be the edges of the dragon's face. Use the items listed, cut out shapes, or trace your hands on construction paper and cut them out-- whatever you like!

Two paper bag dragons made by children
Chinese New Year dragon puppets in progress...

  • Glue the items to the paper bag bottom, making sure they extend beyond the bottom of the bag.
  • Using the construction paper, cut an oval shape the size of the paper bag's bottom.
  • Draw a face for the dragon on the oval shape.

Ferocious paper bag Chinese dragon puppet
This dragon is trying hard to look ferocious...

  • Glue the oval onto the bottom of the paper bag, covering the other items except for where extend beyond the bag.
  • Decorate the rest of the paper bag for the dragon's body.
  • Now you are ready to play and dance with your dragon!

Timid paper bag Chinese dragon puppet
... but this dragon couldn't be ferocious if it tried!

Celebrating Chinese New Year by Eugenia Chu
page from Celebrating Chinese New Year by Eugenia Chu

About Celebrating Chinese New Year by Eugenia Chu

🍎 Author's Summary: Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is one of the most celebrated holidays around the world. This engaging book for kids explains the history, folklore, traditions, and customs of Chinese New Year and includes interactive activities that encourage kids to celebrate at home or in their communities.

This Chinese New Year kids’ book includes:
  • Diverse traditions—From festivals and parades to relaxation and cooking, kids will learn how Chinese New Year is celebrated in different ways.
  • Fun, hands-on activities—Kids can explore a variety of ways to get festive, like making Chinese dumplings, paper lanterns, and their very own Chinese Zodiac calendar.
  • Fascinating facts and pictures—Colorful illustrations and fascinating factoids help bring Chinese New Year to life for your child.
Get little ones excited to learn about this beloved holiday with this standout among Chinese New Year books for kids.

🍎 Author: Eugenia Chu
🍎 Illustrator:
🍎 Publisher: Rockridge Press
🍎 Date: December 14, 2021
🍎 Pages: 60 

Celebrating Chinese New Year by Eugenia Chu


Did you enjoy this craft inspired by Eugenia Chu's book Celebrating Chinese New Year? If so, check out these blog posts for more book and craft ideas:


search words: China, Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, dragon, dragons, dragon dance, puppet, puppets

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